There have been a number of comments on this forum expressing difficulties with thread wrapping on flimsy rod tip sections, light, ultralight and fly blanks in particular. Experiencing the same but just dealing with it since I started wrapping 4 years ago, I finally decided to build a fixture to eliminate the flexing and make my wrapping life easier, especially when adding and dropping as many as six threads within a half inch of a 2-4lb rod. Blank flexing can cause irregular thread tension, can unpack previously tight-packed wraps, and even induce the thread climbing over other threads.
The power wrapper I designed and built only allows the rollers of each upright to be positioned 4.5 inches from the next set of rollers, allowing too much rod flex. While other wrappers, such as the Renzetti, may be able to get the rollers closer together, their large diameter would restrict access between two sets when positioned only 2 inches apart.
If you care to do so, see the three pictures under Photos, Equipment and Tools, Mark’s Rod Tip Section Support. I apologize for them not being clearer.
The pictures should be self-explanatory. For those of you in need and willing to fabricate your own, just remember the rollers cannot be larger than .25in in diameter to facilitate holding a size 4 or 5 rod tip. I machined mine from .25in Acetal rod simply because I have access to a mill and lathe. The same could be accomplished utilizing thin-wall, telescoping brass tubing with shrink tubing to serve as a tire.
I hope this helps even just one of you confronted with the same dilemma I had. Please note the word “had” as this Rod Tip Section Support has eliminated all my previous related woes.
Good luck! Enjoy!

Mark Talmo
FISHING IS NOT AN ESCAPE FROM LIFE BUT RATHER A DEEPER IMMERSION INTO IT!!! BUILDING YOUR OWN SIMPLY ENHANCES THE EXPERIENCE.

When I see stuff like this I can't even believe I can build a rod. I work with junk recycled from other junk.

Lynn,
Don’t sell yourself short. I am confident your rod building abilities are outstanding. To produce anything of quality from inferior equipment is a true testament to the abilities of the craftsman. I just got tired of the annoyance and corrected the issue.

Mark Talmo
FISHING IS NOT AN ESCAPE FROM LIFE BUT RATHER A DEEPER IMMERSION INTO IT!!! BUILDING YOUR OWN SIMPLY ENHANCES THE EXPERIENCE.

Lynn Williams developed a simple tool for this some time ago. We ran an article on it in the magazine. Very easy to make. Just another option.

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Tom,
I would very much like to view that article. Please advise as to the volume and issue. While certainly not elaborate, mine may be considered a bit involved and possibly difficult for just anyone to produce. My humble attempt was to offer the members a solution to a possible problem and if you can offer a simpler solution, please inform me and the masses! Many will appreciate the enlightenment.

Mark Talmo
FISHING IS NOT AN ESCAPE FROM LIFE BUT RATHER A DEEPER IMMERSION INTO IT!!! BUILDING YOUR OWN SIMPLY ENHANCES THE EXPERIENCE.

Mark, you really did a nice job on that rod support, looks great.
Norm

Hello Tom & Mark.

The Article is in Volume 11, Issue 3, Page 24.


Tight Wraps & Tighter Lines.

I bought a nice little add on that works with the CRB hand wrapper . Attach it with 2 small bolts and it's done.

Thanks Mark, You equipment and building area look terrific!

Mark,
A really nice job of machine shop work.

Norman, Lynn and Roger,
Thank you for the compliments. It means a lot coming from such seasoned veterans.
Robert,
Thank you for the article location within Rod Maker magazine. I will definitely inspect the contents and I suggest anyone else experiencing difficulties with flimsy rod wrapping do the same.
Ron,
Is the “add on” you mentioned a CRB product or after-market? I cannot find it in the Mud Hole catalogue. I am very interested to see it if only to discover how much time I wasted fabricating mine. Others may be interested as well if installation is so simple. Is a picture possible?

Mark Talmo
FISHING IS NOT AN ESCAPE FROM LIFE BUT RATHER A DEEPER IMMERSION INTO IT!!! BUILDING YOUR OWN SIMPLY ENHANCES THE EXPERIENCE.

Ron,
Thank you for sharing the picture of your rod support.

Mark Talmo
FISHING IS NOT AN ESCAPE FROM LIFE BUT RATHER A DEEPER IMMERSION INTO IT!!! BUILDING YOUR OWN SIMPLY ENHANCES THE EXPERIENCE.

Mark Talmo Wrote:
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> Ron,
> Thank you for sharing the picture of your rod
> support.

yOU ARE WELCOME ALTHO IT LOOKS LIKE I @#$%& SOMEBODY OFF .